Login

IN COURT

Last Updated: Saturday 04 July 2015 | 02:50:09 AM

Oil lease sale blocked: In a preliminary ruling, a US federal court has recently blocked the US administration's plan to allow oil companies, access to the sensitive wetlands near the vast Teshekpuk Lake in the Arctic Alaska. The ruling has come as the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) failed to properly consider the impact of oil development in areas near the National Petroleum Reserve on the state's North Slope region. "The lease sale was based on flawed environmental assumption," said the court in its judgment. The lease sale of the Teshekpuk Lake, included stipulations to limit surface disturbance and environmental damage, was scheduled to take place towards the end of September. The marshy tundra, which lies between Teshekpuk Lake and the Arctic Ocean, is famous for both its wildlife and petroleum potential.

Coal unit fined: The Supreme Court has asked India's largest coal producing company, South Eastern Coalfields Ltd, to pay Rs 300 crore, within a month, as compensation for using forestland in Chhattisgarh. The amount is in addition to Rs 50 crore that the PSU has already paid to continue its operations in the state. The court, in its earlier judgment, had said that all companies were liable to pay Penal Compensatory Afforestation cost and amount of Net Present Value to continue operations in the alloted forestland.

Subscribe to Weekly Newsletter :

We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.

Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.

Down To Earth is a product of our commitment to make changes in the way we manage our environment, protect health and secure livelihoods and economic security for all. We believe strongly that we can and must do things differently. Our aim is to bring you news, perspectives and knowledge to prepare you to change the world. We believe information is a powerful driver for the new tomorrow.